In the final moments of the game, Lucerne once again had to fear victory. Yverdon ran in the 3-minute stoppage time and got another corner and a free kick. However, both failed. And when the very last cross in the penalty area found no taker, Lucerne fell into each other’s arms. The hard-fought 1-0 win was the first after four winless Super League games.
Lars Villiger, a Lucerne native, was mainly responsible for the victory. The 20-year-old striker showed his courage after around 70 seconds when he dropkicked a ball that had previously been intercepted by a teammate towards the goal. And watched as his shot went perfectly behind Paul Bernardoni in the Yverdon goal. The goalie hadn’t even been able to distinguish himself and was already defeated.
More goals possible
Anyone who hoped for a goal festival as a result of the goal was disappointed. However, the teams would have had the opportunity to make further changes to the scoreboard. Lucerne’s Levin Winkler missed his first Super League goal after 17 minutes from the best position. Bernardoni parried magnificently.
In the 26th minute it was the guests who made their first offensive appearance. However, Aimen Mahouis, like Adrian Grbic a few turns later on the other side, headed past the goal. It was Grbic who had the biggest chance after the break. However, the striker failed to finish because of Bernardoni.
Lucky for Lucerne
However, Yverdon had the biggest chance of the second half. In the 80th minute, substitute Christopher Lungoyi’s shot was dangerously deflected. Pascal Loretz would have been beaten – but the ball hit the crossbar.
With the defeat, the promoted team’s chances of reaching the “Championship Group” are reduced to a theoretical minimum. Lucerne, on the other hand, is only one place and point behind St. Gallen and can continue to hope. This is different for FC Basel, which now also has to plan for the “Relegation Group”.
This is how it goes
The next games for the two teams are on Sunday. Lucerne meets Lausanne-Sport at home. Yverdon also has a home game and hosts the Grasshoppers.